NFL Rumors: Could David Diehl Be at Risk of Getting Benched?

David Diehl has not been himself in the past two seasons. His play has declined dramatically, and his presence on the football field as become more of an endangerment for the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning than a benefit.

Should this continue, don’t be surprised if the longtime Giant is moved from right tackle to the right side of the bench.

Diehl, once a dependable fixture at left tackle for the Giants, has essentially become a torero for opposing pass rushers in their path to Manning in the pocket. His ability as a run blocker has been no better, and it’s hard to imagine the team is willing to put up with such underperformance for much longer.

Unfortunately, the only thing that may keep Diehl clinging to his job is Will Beatty’s inability to see the field. Beatty has been battling with a back injury all year and his return is uncertain at this time.

Second-year tackle James Brewer has yet to see the field, but he does not appear to be ready to take the field in a starting role just yet. Brewer was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft and was only suited up for two games during the 2011 season. He hasn’t done anything yet to prove he’s worth of playing time over the veteran Diehl and it’s not likely he will soon.

David Diehl has been a starter for the Giants since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL draft. He moved from left tackle to left guard last season, but returned to left tackle during the Giants’ postseason run last year. A move to the bench for Diehl would be a critical blow to the ten-year veteran’s pride, but it may become necessary if his dismal performance continues.

Louis Musto is a New York Giants Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.